Chow Chow vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is cheaper by $620 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $7,100.
| Cost Factor | Chow Chow | Basset Bleu de Gascogne |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 13 yrs | 13 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $280 | $285 |
| Initial vet costs | $485 | $465 |
| Annual food | $610 | $590 |
| Annual vet | $485 | $465 |
| Annual grooming | $845 | $370 |
| Annual insurance | $585 | $555 |
| First year total (est.) | $4,360 | $3,740 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,715 | $2,175 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $36,940 | $29,840 |
Chow Chow vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Chow Chow works out to roughly $36,940, while a Basset Bleu de Gascogne comes to about $29,840 — a difference of $7,100 (19%). The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is the more budget-friendly choice over the long run, though the gap is driven by a few specific expenses rather than across-the-board savings.
The biggest single difference is grooming: a Chow Chow costs about $845 a year for grooming, versus $370 for the other breed. Both are medium-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne wins the first year by $620. If you're planning for the long haul, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne saves about $7,100 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,500 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Chow Chow
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Chow Chow or a Basset Bleu de Gascogne cheaper to own?
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is cheaper in the first year ($3,740 vs $4,360). Over a full lifetime the Basset Bleu de Gascogne works out cheaper overall — about $29,840 versus $36,940, a difference of roughly $7,100.
How much does a Chow Chow cost per month compared to a Basset Bleu de Gascogne?
After the first year, a Chow Chow costs about $226/month in ongoing expenses, while a Basset Bleu de Gascogne costs about $181/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.
What's the biggest cost difference between a Chow Chow and a Basset Bleu de Gascogne?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Chow Chow costs about $845 a year versus $370 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 13-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Chow Chows or Basset Bleu de Gascognes cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $485 for a Chow Chow and $465 for a Basset Bleu de Gascogne. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,500, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.